Newsletter 2012 - Francis Holland School

fr ancis Holland School
OLD GIRLS’ NEWSLETTER
JUNE 2012
Dear Old Girls,
Another year has passed remarkably quickly. The OGS goes from strength
to strength and we are delighted to welcome Alison Barnett as our new
administrator, who helps to co-ordinate our activities with the school and
maintain our database. We are also pleased to welcome two new members to our
committee: Camilla Speck and Zina Serageldin. It is great that Aimee O’Keefe,
back from New York, has returned to the committee.
Last year John Standing gave a very amusing lecture on his long and
distinguished acting career, much enjoyed by us all. Our OGS lecture this year will
be given by Melanie Clore, Chairman of Sotheby’s Europe and a leading specialist
in Impressionist and Modern Art, on Wednesday November 14 th at 6.30pm. Please
see the enclosed invitation and invite your friends.
There was the usual drinks party on the school birthday in March, which was
well attended. Photographs from the party are included in this newsletter.
Please note that we shall be holding another Old Girls’ lunch on Saturday March 2 nd
2013. Please save the date now. Booking forms will be sent out in the autumn.
As you will see, we have lots of news from you this year. Please do keep writing!
News should be sent to Alison, whose email address is at the end of this letter. We
have plans to do more on the FHS website for the Old Girls
It is with sadness that we say farewell to Stephanie Pattenden, who retires at the
end of this term after 15 years serving as headmistress. She has done so much for
Graham Terrace, and through her quiet determination has continued the tradition
of making the school a very happy community as well as instituting and seeing
through new and important developments, not least the magnificent Carmel
Hall. Stephanie has also done so much to foster the achievements of all the girls
across an ever-increasing spectrum of subjects. All of us old girls owe her a debt of
gratitude for the unfailing support that she has shown. We wish Stephanie a very
happy retirement.
Please note that there will be a farewell concert and party for Stephanie on July 9 th ,
to which all are welcome. Please contact the school office on 0207 730 2971 or email
Alison Barnett if you would like to come.
Best wishes
Sarah Mahaffy
sarah.mahaffy@zen.co.uk
Alison Barnett’s email address: ab@fhs-sw1.org.uk

SCHOOL BIRTHDAY DRINKS PARTY

Letter from the Headmistress
The last year has been a stable one for Francis Holland School and the FHS Old Girls. Once
again the School Birthday was celebrated in style, this time with a drama theme. The
speaker at the service was an old girl Camilla Arfwedson, who is now well known in the
acting world. She spoke fondly about her time at Francis Holland from the age of 4 and
the entertainment for the senior school girls was a presentation about the Graeae Theatre
Company. Junior School girls were enthralled by some circus entertainers. The evening
reception attracted old girls from recent and less recent times but it was particularly
pleasing to see girls for whom it was their first reunion.
Every year I am delighted to report that many of the long standing and traditional
events, such as the Morison Verse, the Lauda Sion and the Fanny Davies competitions,
continue as do the Play Competition and the regular sporting events. The same is true
this year and new activities have been added. The extra-curricular programme is well
established but has recently been enhanced by a new Maths Club, Sloane Sequence One,
and a newly formed Literary Society with some superb speakers. Last term Tim Butcher
and Mark Lawson came to lecture to FHS pupils and visitors from other local schools.
Charity activities are also very well supported with the Wings of Hope Achievement
Award Scheme being very popular for girls in Year 10. The WOHAA teams held activities
including a Fashion Show, a Sponsored Silence and Bracelet making and raised nearly
£6000. The Fashionista Group were runners up in the category for the most innovative team.
News of school activities and of the successes of pupils current and former is posted on the
web site and regularly updated by Vanessa McKinley, who has now been Marketing Director
of both Francis Holland Schools for several years. She will be working with the old girls
committee to set up easier access and Facebook links to make communications simpler.
My own last year has been a busy and happy one and after the announcement that
Mrs Lucy Elphinstone would be taking over as head in September I have had many useful
conversations and meetings with her. She will be welcomed by the staff later this term and
will visit the school on several more occasions before September. She is very excited about
her new role and has been most attentive in making sure that she familiarises herself
with the values and traditions of FHS. I am confident that she will bring fresh ideas to the
school but continue to maintain the essential ethos and style.
I very much look forward to
keeping in touch with FHS through
newsletters and Old Girls’ events and
am confident that the Old Girls society
will go from strength to strength.
Stephanie Pattenden
Headmistress

a medical adventure in fiji
Amélie Hole and Ghazal Saadat, who received the FHS travel grant in 2011
As part of the final year of our medical degree we were given the excellent
opportunity to travel to the South Pacific and spend four weeks working in a
hospital on Fiji’s largest island – Viti Levu. A wave of heat and humidity hit us as we
stepped out of the air-conditioned cabin, and there was certainly no mistaking that
we had arrived in the tropics. Luckily it was only a short taxi ride to the family-run
hostel where we would be staying. Needless to say we slept extremely well that night
and felt surprisingly refreshed for the 8.30am start the next morning. After an
exhilarating ride on the local windowless bus we arrived at Nadi Hospital.
With our pale skin and oversized lab-coats we turned quite a few heads and were
greeted warmly with cries of “Bula!” (the Fijian word for hello). Our supervisor
arrived customarily late in “Fiji time,” so we waited apprehensively outside her office
in a stuffy dimly-lit corridor, before she came to give us a tour of our new work-place.
The first surprise was that the hospital was remarkably small with only four wards
and one “operating theatre” that was used as a store cupboard! We were quickly put
to work in the outpatients department where an alarmingly long queue of people was
waiting to be seen by one qualified doctor. It was certainly a challenge to properly
assess people when other patients were constantly poking their heads round the
door. On top of that two consultations were being held in the same room. Not yet
being fully qualified we were daunted by the prospect of prescribing medications,
especially as we had yet to discover which drugs were available from the local
pharmacy and found ourselves constantly checking everything with the doctor. It
dawned on us that we were probably being more of a hindrance than a help!
Luckily most of the outpatients we saw only had minor ailments and the majority
came to the hospital for a free check-up and a sick note rather than having to face
an expensive bill from a private GP. We were amazed by the number of people
complaining of coughs and colds despite the temperature outside being a balmy
23°C. It was also a surprise to find that the doctor’s response was simply to hand
out antibiotics to everyone like sweets. When we questioned him about this later,
he told us that it was a common belief amongst the Indo-Fijian population that they
would not get better if medication was not prescribed. Occasionally he had to give
placebo salt-water injections just to stop well people from repeatedly returning to
the hospital. The opposite was true for the native Fijian half of the population who
preferred to put off their hospital visits for as long as possible, and used traditional
herbal remedies that often exacerbated their problems.
Over the next few weeks the slower pace of ward rounds was a welcome change
in between the intensity of the outpatients department. Having said this, there
was only one doctor covering the male, female, paediatric and private wards. The
rounds proved to be an excellent learning experience as we saw patients with
numerous tropical diseases such as typhoid, leptospirosis and fish poisoning
which we had not encountered in the UK. Additionally, we saw very advanced
presentations of conditions that are common back home such as cancer and

diabetes. On one occasion, after seeing our horrified expressions at an ad-hoc toe
amputation (using minimal quantities of local anaesthetic), the doctor joked, “I’ve
got a bigger amputation to do tomorrow, would you like to do it?”
As well as gaining more clinical experience, it was interesting to compare the
differences between hospital wards in Fiji and at home. For instance, whilst we
are used to having bountiful supplies of alcohol gel at the end of patients’ beds
and a ‘bare below the elbows’ policy in the NHS, in Fiji we had to search for soap
and often had to walk to the maternity ward on the other side of the hospital to
wash our hands. The busy doctors resorted to wiping their hands on the dirty
bedside curtains.
Our small donation of gloves and tourniquets seemed like a tiny drop in the
ocean. Especially as the staff seemed quite adamant to use the gloves not for
protection but as tourniquets, preferring to leave the new pristine tourniquets
to decorate the equipment trolley. We were impressed and amused to see other
ways in which Fijian doctors improvised when equipment was limited. On a
more serious note, we found the Fijian doctors to be truly inspirational. Despite
being overworked and underpaid, they cared about the patient and the person.
Having fewer tests to depend on, they had developed amazing clinical skills and
maintained a very high level of knowledge.
In addition, we were impressed by how well the Fijian patients coped despite
the evident shortcomings of their healthcare system. Native Fijians are devout
Christians and their religion seems to give them great strength. But sometimes this
proves to be a hindrance. We met many people who remained remarkably calm in
the face of death including one lady who despite being diagnosed with a particularly
aggressive breast cancer in her mid-thirties was surprisingly positive and never
stopped smiling, reassured by her belief in God.
Towards the end of our stay we were fortunate enough to spend a day
accompanying some Fijian medical students on a visit to the local Moala Village.
Every year, the students are required to design and carry out a public health project
in a local village. On this preliminary visit, the students were aiming to ascertain
which aspects of the villagers’ health they could monitor and improve. They
were planning to collect data about the villagers’ weight, diet, physical exercise,
smoking, blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels and provide them with
health education.
Knowing that conservative attire was required for village visits, we made sure our
shoulders were covered and decided it was best to wear trousers. However, when
we saw the medical students were wearing traditional Fijian costume, we knew
we should have opted for a floral floor-length skirt with a matching top. Having
realised the only male medical student, Jona, had failed to make this clear, the girls
reassured us that we could go along in our trousers. It has to be said that it was not
much of a comfort when we saw Jona himself was also wearing a skirt or, as the
Fijians would call it, a “sulu.” Despite feeling slightly self-conscious, we climbed
into the only “ambulance” (a van with a bed) in Nadi for a lift to Moala Village.
After a bumpy ride, we arrived and were introduced to the local village chief.

When she saw we were not locals, the village health worker greeted us with
excitement and offered us our own “sulus” to wear so we felt part of the community.
After removing our shoes and sitting on a hand-woven bamboo mat in the chief’s
bure (a wooden and straw-roofed hut), Jona offered the chief the customary gift,
Kava. This is the root from the pepper plant, which Fijians usually mash up and
dilute with water to make into a drink. The ceremonial making and serving of Kava
is central to their culture, and Fijians spend many a night relaxing, chatting and
singing together over numerous bowls of Kava. Unfortunately, it was not really to
our taste: it resembled muddy river water and tasting not much different. Kava’s
only benefit was that it made us pleasantly sleepy.
We used our weekends to explore Viti Levu and some of the smaller islands
nearby. In Nadi, we visited the largest Hindu Temple in the southern hemisphere,
which is modelled on ancient Indian Dravidian architecture. It certainly stands out
with its vibrant colours, ornate carvings and frescos. We also went on a fascinating
excursion to the Navua district, where we visited a village, sampled traditional
Fijian food made in a “lovo” earth oven, watched traditional dances and learnt
how to make handicrafts using bamboo and stenciled motifs. Some of our most
memorable moments were those we shared with the family who ran our hostel. We
will never forget the warm evenings spent listening to live Fijian music, drinking
fruit cocktails and eating ‘Pa’s warm grilled bananas with coconut.’ Our whole
Fijian experience was incredible and we are so grateful that we had the opportunity
to learn so much from such lovely, warm and friendly people.

After the Tsunami
Laura Inoue (Eastaugh)
I have lived in Japan for the last thirty years. The country is still traumatised by the
triple disaster of the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear explosion in Fukushima of the
middle of March. We live in an area well away from the disaster itself, but of course
watched it unfold on television. My husband Giichi, who is Japanese, has a background
in nuclear science, as well as years of experience of the dynamics of Japanese company
management and mismanagement, and as he watched what was happening on our
television screens that fateful weekend March 12/13, he was so outraged and anguished
that doing nothing was not possible. I will never ever forget the sight and sound of
him sitting by the TV shouting: “fools!” or: “incompetents!” at intervals, at what he
considered to be gross mismanagement of the nuclear crisis. A friend who rang from
London to find out whether we were all right, heard the pain and misery in his voice
when he answered the phone. He was sure there would be dire consequences for the
health of the local children somewhere down the line if something was not done, and
fairly sure that the response of the authorities would be inadequate. And so with likeminded
others in this small town of Komoro set in the beautiful Nagano mountains,
which has been shielded by Mount Asama from almost all the radiation, we set up the
Komoro Homestay Programme for mothers and children. It’s evolving as time goes
on. The first stage was the summer holidays: we needed to get as many children as
possible out of the danger zone, and we hoped other safe municipalities would be doing
the same. In the first couple of weeks we had amazing luck: we were lent two houses
and a disused university dormitory. We spent a couple of months stumbling, trying to
establish communications with those we wanted to help. Then Giichi put information
about what we were offering on a couple of websites aimed at young mothers.
That was a Thursday. On the Friday I went to meet Giichi on the West coast where
he was working, for a quiet weekend together in a small town famous for beautiful
laquer. The deluge started the first evening: applications poured in. At one point
another member of the group was receiving a telephone call every five minutes,
some of the callers in tears. We were in constant communication with him, Giichi
answering emails into the small hours. So much for the quiet weekend: clearly there
was a huge need, and a hunger for help. With agonising difficulty we selected as
many of the applications as we could manage – there were over a hundred – and
organised energetically. We could only help a few directly.
Fast forward to the second half of July, the beginning of the summer holidays in
Japan as in it in the UK, a hot Sunday afternoon. The first families from Fukushima
are about to arrive to take part in the programme we have organised to give the
children respite from the dangerous levels of radiation, and the mothers from the
stress of trying to keep children indoors, of washing everything everyday and
drying it indoors, keeping the windows shut, and from some of the worry. And
of not talking about it with their neighbours: they are encouraged to pretend that
everything is as normal. It takes courage to leave, even for the summer holidays in
this traditional “village society”, and all who come know the risks. The mothers

who have come to Komoro come feeling isolated – because they have dared to leave,
to behave differently, to question the official version of things.
The first family arrives: Mrs S and her two small boys, aged two and five, have
been brought by her husband, who will return to their home town, a port city in
Fukushima prefecture, to work. They come first to our house where they have cool
drinks and rest – they have had a five and a half hour drive.
She is exhausted and stressed out and tells me: “On top of everything else, the
neighbours have been complaining continuously about the noise the children make,
but what else can you expect from small boys cooped up in a flat with the windows
closed, day after day, in the hot and humid summer?” She and the boys will stay
a month in the disused university dormitory we have borrowed on the edge of the
town. It is basic but spacious and surrounded by trees: there the children can run
wild safely, both inside and out, and there is very little they can damage - although
they do later succeed in breaking the sofa!
The K family, with their three little girls aged 2, 5 and 9 come by train, and then a few
days after that two more families, so that there are four mothers and ten children under
ten in the old dorm. There are other families in houses round the town. The children dig
in the dirt outside, they collect the huge beautiful horned beetles called “kabutomushi”
which children traditionally collect in the Japanese summer and put them in boxes with
airholes, and cucumber to eat. They go on walks, touching, feeling, the leaves and wild
plants which they can no longer do at home. “May I touch the leaves”?, asks Seiji, aged
two. In Fukushima and surrounding prefectures what was once ordinary – touching
plants and earth for example - and everyday has become extraordinary and often
forbidden. They crunch on the locally grown cucumbers and broccoli as though they
were sweets – they cannot get enough. Their mothers send boxes of produce back to
relatives and friends in Fukushima: as well as cucumbers, there are tomatoes, peppers,
aubergines, broccoli and peaches and more. As well as walking and playing outside
there are lots of games to play together inside when the weather is bad, or after dark.
We all have fun: Giichi is in great demand as a ghost: the children get into the
huge cupboard used for keeping futons, the ghost open the door a crack and makes
ghostly noises - everyone screams with delight! Two year old Seiji rushes around
with a rather bendy sword cut from a discarded piece of polystyrene, duelling with
anyone who comes near. One evening in the middle of August we have a barbeque,
in an empty recreation facility because it is raining. The children have plenty of
room to run about when they not eating, and we have organised it so that for once
mothers can drink and chat while the men – volunteers as well as the few fathers
present – take care of the children and do the driving.
Over the summer twenty-two families came here: twenty two mothers, forty four
children and a few fathers and other assorted relatives. They seem to have enjoyed
their stay, and we have had the privilege of meeting some wonderful people. Of the
families who have come this year, about a quarter wanted either to settle here in
Komoro, or spend the next few dangerous years here. So we support them: we are
helping them find schools, housing and jobs and go through the social security
hoops that there inevitably are. Komoro is an aging town, and there is a warm

welcome here for newcomers, especially young ones. For those who come, it is a
huge leap. Those with money and connections who had the will to leave did so by
themselves a long time ago. The people we are helping mostly have neither, and
it’s almost unthinkable for them, in the normal course of things, to abandon their
familiar support networks and their families, the surroundings they have known
since birth: Nagano and Fukushima prefectures are mutually strange countries.
In some cases this tears up families. Amongst others there is a single mother, Kimiko,
with her five year old daughter, Yumi. She had to pretend to her own mother that she will
go back to Fukushima in December, because her mother could not bear the idea that
Kimiko might really leave, which she has indeed decide to do, for Yumi’s sake. Yumi’s
grandmother asked the five year old, on the telephone, whether she preferred Granny or
“those Nagano people” The only thing I could think of doing to help, as she returned to
Fukushima for a short visit and an emotional tug of war she dreads, is to give her a hug.
That was in September. Later Kimiko’s parents came to inspect us for themselves; we all
had a party and they finally seem resigned to the fact that their daughter is independent
– but it has been an exhausting struggle. And there was a pinched and nervous mother
with two little boys who came during the summer holidays, Sachiko. She seemed to
look me through with gimlet eyes – I found her very uncomfortable to be with. Many
months later we heard that her husband had threatened her with divorce if she took the
children away, and removed all her financial support. He has demanded “proof” that
the radiation is dangerous. How many sick and dead children constitute proof? There
is no proof, there is just a invisible risk of deadly disease in the future. All is understood
– no wonder Sachiko was a bundle of nerves. There are probably many more like her.
In trying to minimise this risk, it’s as though we are helping to create a new
world, much more than just dealing with the aftermath of a disaster. It’s very
hard work. We estimate that we will have to continue for at least ten years. The
authorities are lifting some of the restrictions on those they have evacuated, and
allowing them to go home, although they probably shouldn’t be. They want to draw
a line under the whole thing. The radiation in the outside air is gradually going
down now, but it is still very dangerous for children who already have received so
much: radiation is cumulative. Everything that spewed out of the plant since the
accident happened in March has started to work its way through the ecocycle: soil,
plants and the animals that eat them. For a long time we must be wary of internal
radiation damage, and research carefully what we eat.
“Why are we like sheep, unprotestingly doing what we are told?” The K family
came to stay with us over the New Year holiday. As we sat around the fire, drinking
and chatting, Mrs K remembered the immediate aftermath of the accident
and explosion. At first she had not known what had happened; by the time she
understood, they had all been subjected to huge doses of radiation. The first couple
of weeks were much the most dangerous. However, it was hard for ordinary citizens
to get the appropriate information. She wept tears of bitterness as we sat: “Please
write about this for the foreign press, tell everyone about us” Mrs K asked me. We
were watching the flames in the wood burning stove. I could not see her face, but
this was a request I could not ignore. And so I have written this article.

A GIRL AT WESTMINSTER
Jane Orr
In September 1967 I was J E K Dorman W. The W indicated that I was in Wren
House. The boys had WW after their names but it was decided that I, as a girl only
half time at the school, should be a Half-Wren. The other half of my time was spent
doing my Maths A-levels at Francis Holland School, where I had been since the age
of 11, but which did not then offer Physics and Chemistry at A-level. In previous
years girls had gone to “the other” Francis Holland School in Clarence Gate, but
in 1967 there were no scientists there either, and Graham Terrace was building up
its links with Westminster by providing the female parts for Gilbert & Sullivan
operettas, so it seemed a good time to create some academic links.
I was the first and only girl in the VIth form then, but for the first term there
were two other ex-FHS girls in the VIIth doing their Oxbridge entrance. No other
girls came until after I left, but I believe Caroline Collier and Louise Teare started
in the VIth in 1969 and 1970. After that Westminster officially went co-ed and girls
were there full time. I was taught by Mr Stokoe (ABS) and then Mr Hepburne-Scott
(DMCHS) for Physics and Mr Stebbens (DMS) for Chemistry – why do I remember
their initials? I think it must be a very male thing to refer to their teachers by
initials. I found the teaching style completely different to what I had been used
to, and very inspiring – it seemed you could not help but learn. We completed the
A-level syllabus in the first year, so the Upper Sixth was just spent revising. We even
had time to dash off to Kings Cross with DMCHS for the morning when the Flying
Scotsman was leaving for the final time. He was a train fanatic and his Physics
laboratory was full of nameplates from various steam trains such as Westminster
School and Westminster Abbey.
After leaving Westminster I had applied to go to St Mary’s Hospital Medical
School as a medical student, but had some problems securing my place. I got my
Maths A-level results from Francis Holland, but nothing came from Westminster!
In those days exam results were posted to you – no excitement going to the school
for them as today. It appears that the examining board published girls’ and boys’
results separately, and someone had noticed my female name, removed me from
the boys list, but then failed to add me to the girls’ list! By the time it was obvious
that no result was forthcoming, the examiners were all off on a well earned holiday
so I did not get my final two A-level results until mid-September. St Mary’s were
wonderful and held my place for me, and I graduated as a doctor in 1974.
I joined the Royal Army Medical Corps in 1975 serving as Cadets’ Medical Officer
at Sandhurst and as a Brigade Medical Officer in Northern Ireland before leaving
to have my first child in 1981. By that time I had married Michael who is a military
historian and was then teaching at Sandhurst. I subsequently became a GP and am
in practice in Camberley.
I have often wondered how much of my character was changed by being the only
girl at a boys’ school. I certainly had no problems about being one of only nine
female doctors in the Army in 1975. One thing it has certainly made me do is to
10

consider myself a member of a profession, undefined by my sex. I am a doctor, not
a woman doctor, and I find myself resenting being labelled any other way. I was
once asked by the press how many women there were on a committee I had been
chairing for some years. I had to think for a few moments, then realised for the first
time that I was the only one! I think Westminster also gave me the confidence to
stand up and fight obvious unfairness and inequality. It had never entered my head
when I married Michael (a civilian) that the Army would treat me any differently
from a male officer after getting married. After a year I discovered I was wrong, and
that married women were not entitled to quarters, or even separation allowance
when serving in Northern Ireland. I was furious and led a strong campaign that got
me into a certain amount of trouble. Eventually, however, we succeeded in getting
Queen’s Regulations changed so that since 1980 married women serving in the
Armed Forces have the same entitlements as married men.
I am really grateful that I was able to have the education that I did, in the broadest
sense of the word, and I hope that today’s girls at Westminster are able to benefit as
I did.
A LONG TIME AGO
Alison Barnett
I am writing this article having joined the Old Girls’ Society Committee at the
beginning of this year as the Administrator. However looking back, I do have a
connection with Francis Holland School from 1999 which I would like to share
with you.
Whilst working in the desktop publishing department at Methodist Publishing
House in Peterborough, I typeset a Christmas Carol book called Love Shone Down.
Alongside the book we produced a promotional CD which featured a class of Year
6 girls and their teacher, Miss Kathleen Ferguson, from Francis Holland Junior
School. They also played a huge part in the book’s launch and after that I was
invited to come to the Christmas Concert at St Mary’s church that year (1999). The
girls were an absolute delight to be with and I still have the lovely ‘thank you’ letters
they all wrote to me after the event.
Jumping forward many years, changes in personal circumstances last summer
meant a move from Peterborough to London. I was invited to attend an interview
for a ‘Resources Assistant’ vacancy at Francis Holland, which came about having
been unsuccessful for a position in the Bursary a month earlier. I was delighted
to be offered this position and started at Graham Terrace in September 2011. I am
thoroughly enjoying being here; my work is very varied, keeps me busy and involves
me in lots of aspects of school life. It is a really great school with a wonderful staff
team who have made me very welcome.
I still catch myself smiling at how these events are linked and have brought me to
where I am today… I don’t think I believe in fate, but if I did – this is it!
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OLD GIRLS’ NEWS 2012
1930-1939
Catherine COWLING (left 1939) “My husband has just celebrated his 90 th
birthday and I will do the same in August 2012. We both are very well and active
and enjoy life to the full. I have recently been registered with several impaired sight,
I am still in touch with Faith Miller (nee Nottidge).”
Mary MAXWELL (nee SHEPPARD) (left 1937) “My youngest grandson,
Alexander Maxwell, has just started at Bristol University, reading French and
Drama. It is a four-year course during which he will go abroad for one year. He also
speaks Spanish and German, so he tells me he might go anywhere in his middle
year, but I think he is pulling my leg!
Lucy, my granddaughter, graduated from Edinburgh in May and intended to
read Law, but was headhunted by a public relations firm and is now working in
London. Thomas, the eldest grandson, is also in London and is a consultant with a
recruitment firm. They are all coming here again for Christmas together with their
guardians, Tessa and Guy Wilkinson, who have been so wonderful since the tragic
early deaths of their parents.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu spoke most movingly about my sister in law, Grace
Sheppard, at the Thanksgiving Service in May in a packed Liverpool Cathedral, My
daughter Sarah, also an Old Girl, has been awarded her PhD in Social Theology, a
great achievement after studying for seven years in her ‘spare’ time”.
Naomi POTTS (nee MOGGRIDGE) (left 1939) “I live in my daughter’s house
with my beloved cat, Miss Kitty. As an artist I paint a lot and go to a class at the
college… actually for beginners but I go for fun and to meet people and because I get
on well with Peter, the teacher. The other afternoon he called round unexpectedly,
but, by good fortune I was painting, not goggling at the television! My son works in
Bracknell in Berkshire, daughter where I live is a school teacher, other 2 daughters,
both work but I cannot remember what they do! Some years ago I took part in the
‘Weakest Link’ and got into the last 3 but 2 boys voted me off, to Anne Robinson’s
wrath, ‘indignation’ – but it was fun and I have a lovely signed photograph of Anne
which is on my pin-up board above Tony Benn, Ed Balls and Johnny Morris!”
1940-1949
Elizabeth BARRY (left 1949) “Delighted to be in touch with Cecile Mendelssohn
and Beth Bomar – both contemporaries of mine at FHS. Two very ‘Old Girls’ have
recently died, Araminta Low-Lady Aldington and Patience Mankin (nee Low), one
of our many cousins – sisters in law. My sister Mary is still living in Greece, and I
saw her briefly last year – one of her sons is a very distinguished astronomer. We
both remember FHS with affection!”
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1950-1959
Deborah AINGER (left 1958) “Just turned 70 and happily retired; keeping very
busy with, among several things, being the Honorary Secretary & Treasurer of the
Communal Garden Association where I live.”
Elizabeth CLARKE (nee IVIMY) (left 1958) “I am picking up the threads of
life again after my husband’s death in April 2010. Great joy in that my 2 eldest sons
are engaged to be married. I am going to Australia for the first time this year, where
my mother’s parents were from and many cousins still live.”
Ana RODRIGUEZ-CANO (nee OLDHAM) (left 1951) “Not much news
this year except that I accompanied a friend on a Scandinavian cruise last summer
which was fun but unfortunately didn’t give us enough time to explore the places we
visited. My daughter Christina’s family are thriving and Ignacio, aged nearly 3, will
be starting school in September and his sister Carolina, aged nearly one will be off
to play school. While in London last summer I managed to see a few old FH friends
which was lovely. Would love to come to Old Girls’ reunions but living in Madrid
makes it a bit complicated!”
Phyllis TAYLOR (nee Wood Roger) (left 1951) “We had such a good time
at the Old Girls’ lunch last year that God willing the four of us can meet up
again on Saturday 2 nd March 2013. It brings back so many happy memories. My
granddaughter Katherine is at Loughborough University and my grandson is doing
his first year of A Levels. Both are much brighter than their grandmother!”
Penelope FORRESTER (nee BARLOW) (left 1957) “We are still living and
farming on the beautiful Isle of Mull, but come down to London most months in the
winter, ‘though not much in the summer. We have had two rather tiresome years in that
my husband, Rory, and I and our lovely dog, Rosy, all had to have treatment for cancer!
However, the good news is that we have all been given the all clear now. I now have five
grandchildren and two step grandchildren and Rory has eight grandchildren, so we are
rather busy trying to keep in touch with them all. Last Christmas we had everyone staying
with us on Mull – luckily we have three letting houses (all converted farm buildings
close to our house), so we could just about fit everyone in. We were 27 altogether! This
Christmas everyone is staying in their own homes and we are visiting them.
I have now retired from managing opera singers and am a lady of leisure except
for our B&Bs and letting houses and 40 hens that free range wherever they like on
the farm. We sell the eggs at the bottom of our drive with an honesty box and can
hardly keep up with the demand.”
Sue LEIGH (nee Escott) (left 1957) “I now live in Melbourne, Australia. I’m
retired from my job as a rape crisis counsellor and now present a weekly current
affairs program on a community radio station. I’ll be visiting the UK in July and
will be meeting up with friends and my 3 daughters and 4 grandchildren, as well
as doing some interviews to email back to the radio station. Would love to meet up
with any old girls from my year who may be around this summer.”
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Judith McCONNEL (nee HANNAFORD) (left 1956) Judith and her two
sons run a cider business from their farm in Monmouthshire. Ben, her youngest
son makes the cider, and Alex, her eldest son, is the marketing director. The cider is
called Ty Gwyn, and is delicious. Their website is www.tygwyncider.co.uk.
Algie MORANT (nee DAVIES) (left 1959) “We are still living in the New
Forest. Our oldest grandson has now done 4 terms at Ludgrove Prep School where
he is very happy – the other two to follow soon.”
Vanessa SAWARD (nee ARCHER) (left 1957) “It has been a busy year again for
us. We have had three trips to Greece this year. In the summer we took our younger
grandchildren. We have bought a small motor-boat and this has proved a great success.”
Our elder son, Christopher is working hard as Senior Web Officer at King’s
College. I am still busy with the National Association of Toastmasters and remain
on their Executive Committee as their Assistant Secretary. Since being co-opted on
to the Service User Steering Group Committee at the School of Health and Social
Sciences, Middlesex University, I have also been involved with the Curriculum
Planning Development Group in a similar capacity. Our granddaughter Samantha is
now working at the National Gallery partly on exhibitions and partly on collections.
She is currently working on the Leonardo Da Vinci exhibition.”
Jean THOMPSON (nee ANDERSON) (left 1958) “Our main news this year is
that our second son and his wife have separated. Happily, they each have a house in
Tsawwassen so the three children did not have to change schools as well as homes.
I’m the granny on the spot so have been pretty busy.
Last April, my daughter and I had a super holiday in New Orleans. Janet had been
there for Mardi Gras one year and fell in love with the place. Jeff and I had a cruise
around the Baltic in June, we particularly enjoyed the extra days in Stockholm and
Copenhagen. At the Hermitage we managed to catch glimpses of paintings through
the sea of heads of all the other tourists. I volunteer at our local gallery and had to
restrain myself from straightening askew works, and got a dirty look from one of the
guards. This summer in British Columbia, we had lots of rain and no heat, so we didn’t
have to worry about forest fires at our cabin and the lake didn’t warm up beyond 15C.”
1960-1969
Marty CRUICKSHANK (left 1960) After six years, Marty has achieved her
degree in Humanities with the Open University. She is still acting and will be at The
Royal Shakespeare Theatre for their 2012 Spring Season.
Philippa FAIRBANKS (need GARGE) (left 1966) “After 34 years living in
Tolleshut D’Arcy and aged 63 my husband (James) and I moved to West Mersea in
January 2011. Life is a joy with small house and garden and a beach hut to escape to
and entertain friends. I am still in contact with Catherine Bentley (nee Farquhar) who
14

is godmother to our son Henry. Henry gave us our first grandchild in February 2012
– Milly – it’s great being a granny. Our daughter, Laura, is a sound recordist and works
regularly on ‘Antiques Roadshow’ – it is great fun going to recordings. I have retired
from nursing after 10 years on Day Unit at Colchester. I can now put to good use sewing
skills taught to me by Miss Dickie and my love of music from Miss Ashby. Lovely to see
that FHS is flourishing – I hold dear happy memories and a wonderful education.”
Dana GILLESPIE (left 1963) “I am all over the world, as usual, singing either
Blues or my India style music and in 18 months it has taken me to America and Russia
several times, as well as to Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgistan. I just had a new
Blues CD released called ‘I Rest My Case’ and I am still running the Mustique Blues
Festival which is an annual charity festival held on the paradise island every January.”
Geetoo KIRPALANI (nee ADVANI) (left 1960) “I split my time between
London and Bombay. I would love to hear from any old girls visiting India. I am in
touch with Susan Dobbs (nee Koppel) and Gail Wellings (nee Owen). I enjoy coming
to the March parties if I am in the country.”
Sue McALPINE (nee WALKER) (left 1962) Sue writes: “I am working at
Hackney Museum as Curator, specifically in charge of exhibitions and collections
management. The first is huge, creative, challenging, stressful and hard work and
there’s hardly enough time for the second part of the job. I’m currently working on
an HLF funded project called Mapping the Change, looking at how people respond
to the changes in their part of London as a result of the 2012 Olympics. We also
have funding for the next three years from the Paul Hamlyn Foundation to work
closely with local people, finding out what makes communities tick. It’s going to be
fascinating which is why I am going to hang on there until I am 65.”
Lesley NELL (nee ANDERSON) (left 1969) “I am now semi-retired, training
as a Reiki practitioner and building a business with The Pampered Chef – both of
which enable me to take life at a more relaxing pace. Our son Ed is the drive time
presenter at Hallam FM and is getting married in September. I thoroughly enjoyed
the Old Girls’ lunch to celebrate 130 years.”
Jane ORR (nee DORMAN) (left 1969) “I enjoyed my first Old Girls’ Committee
meeting representing the ‘Out of Towners’. It is wonderful being semi-retired
now and having more time. A trip to the Galapagos last year was an amazing and
inspiring experience.”
Maggy PIGOTT CBE (left 1966) “In 2011 I retired after a 37-year career in
the Ministry of Justice (and its predecessors the Department for Constitutional
Affairs and Lord Chancellor’s Dept). My last post was Joint Chief Executive of the
Judicial Studies Board (the judiciary’s training organisation). I had job-shared for
23 years with the same partner in seven different jobs – a wonderful way to work
and have time to bring up my (now grown up) two children (a civil servant and
an accountant). Since retirement I am keeping busy seeing friends, dancing the
15

Argentine Tango, watching dance/plays and learning Spanish. I was also delighted
to become a Vice Patron of ‘Working Families’, the leading UK charity for work-life
balance and flexible working.”
Lynne PROCTOR (nee ASPINALL) (left 1969) “I am married with two
daughters. I enjoy playing golf. I keep in touch with Caroline Robinson”.
Tissie REASON (nee MUNRO-ASHMAN) (left 1969) “I had not seen anyone
from Francis Holland for some time and then when visiting a friend in Berkshire,
I met her neighbour who I recognized as Clare Hastings. My four children are all
well and happy with my eldest daughter, Rebecca, living in Los Angeles where she is
working as a Project Manager for Technicolor.
I have retired from my full-time job at Chatsworth, but I continue to be Director
of the Chatsworth International Horse Trials: 11-13 May 2012 – which promises
to be an exciting competition in the Olympic year. We have again been invited to
host the only UK round of the FEI World Cup and it will be fun for all the family as
well as top equestrian sport. Tickets and more information are available on www.
chatsworth.org/horsetrials.”
Susie ROSS (nee GOW) (left 1961) “I am married with three children and four
grandchildren. I have now retired to home in Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland. I have
spent 20 years as an army wife, 20 years in London while my husband worked for
the Royal Household. I now go hunting regularly, looking after our garden where we
keep pigs and chickens and go travelling with husband.”
Georgina STANLEY (nee GRIMM) (left 1969) “Nothing exciting to say!
Martin is still with J.P. Morgan, Oliver at Bird and Bird, Clemmie at Black Tomato,
Isabella reading Medicine at Southampton. Hugh is on his gap year and stayed with
Kate de Montjoye (Mahaffy) in Delhi. We are still living in London and Dorset.”
Anne TOWNER (nee THESIGER) (left 1969) “The arrival of 2
grandchildren, and the celebration of our 60 th birthdays, have rightly put the rest
of life into context. We celebrated our joint birthday house-party with all children,
children in law and 3 grandchildren. On the day I turned 60, I was delighted to
watch the ballet ‘Jewels’ performed at Covent Garden, first time back for perhaps
40 years! Another highlight of the year was our trip to St Anton, which meant I
could revisit Lech for the first time since my first holiday abroad in 1957 – and we
found the pension and talked to the patrons, descendants of those who had been
there when I was a little girl.”
Henrietta USHERWOOD (nee MAHAFFY) (left 1967) “2011 has been a great
year, having ceased paid work. Offers to volunteer have come from the GP, the Library
and various prisoner charities. I live in an Art Deco development (visible through the
trees if you’re storming through Ealing Broadway on a train) where there’s much to
refurbish. I’ve been asked to seek out apt furnishings for the 1930’s interiors. Theodore
is still reporting on matters in the London Parliament. Constance is fighting to ensure
her boss remains Head of Economic and Monetary Affairs in the Brussels one.”
16

Glenda WEIL (nee HANNAY) (left 1963) Many apologies to Glenda for the
error in the last Newsletter, her surname was spelled incorrectly as ‘Weir’.
“We have pretty much recovered from our three sons’ weddings spanning July
2010 -July 2011. Our third son, Alexander, and his bride, Galina, were lucky enough
to have a second wedding at the Russian Orthodox church in Sophia in October. It
was a wonderful occasion, and very special for us to get to know another culture
through our extended family out there. I am happy to have more girls around to
keep our daughter, Eleanor, company.
This term I have been working with parents of autistic children and others
who have very challenging family circumstances. I was surprised and excited to
learn that in addition to the Polish translation, my book ‘Raise Happy Children’
is shortly to appear in Arabic! As a mother, however, I’m even more thrilled that
my son’s novel is about to be published. It’s a very exciting read set in Elizabethan
London: ‘Black Arts’ by Andrew Prentice and Jonathan Weil. I can, of course,
recommend it” (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Black-Arts-Books-Pandemonium-Flint/
dp/0385615132)
Kimmy VARMA (nee CHOPRA) (left 1968) “I have lived in LA for the last
thirty years and had my three children whilst there. We moved back to the UK last
October and now live in the Cotswolds rather than in London. I lived in Chelsea
when I went to Francis Holland.”
1970-1979
Ruth BRADBURY (nee Alloway) (left 1971) “What a great pleasure it has
been this year to meet up with women with whom I was at Francis Holland when we
were teenagers. Despite the passage of years, the bond of shared experience in youth
is strong.”
Victoria EVELEIGH (nee BUTLER) (left 1972) If Miss Scrivener, our English
teacher, had been asked to pick out the girl who would become an author from
this photo (taken of my form in
the early 1970s, when I was about
twelve) I know she wouldn’t have
picked me, and I wouldn’t have
either. So it was rather surreal to
visit Francis Holland School again
after forty years and talk to the
junior school about my books. Some
things had changed, but most of the
school was surprisingly similar: the
stained glass near the entrance, the
assembly hall, staircase, dining room (the food has definitely improved, though!)
and playground. Half-forgotten memories came flooding back. I was very touched
17

y the warm welcome I received from the staff and pupils, and I hope they enjoyed
the afternoon as much as I did.
I am married to Chris, and we have been farming at West Ilkerton (a hill farm on
Exmoor) for over 25 years. Our son, George, is working as a deer stalker in Scotland
and our daughter, Sarah, has just finished a degree in agriculture at Cirencester, and
is now helping on the family farm. In 2001 I wrote my first book, which I published
myself. Three other books followed. In June 2011 I was taken on by Orion Children’s
Books, who are going to publish re-written versions of my original books. A trilogy
of books about an Exmoor pony (Katy’s Wild Foal, Katy’s Champion Pony and Katy’s
Pony Surprise) are to be published by Orion in 2012, together with a story based on
Lundy (A stallion Called Midnight). My website is www.victoriaeveleigh.co.uk
Diana GOLD (left 1974) “Other Francis Holland friends were Anna-Freda
Alexander, Georgina Breton, Tessa Kaye. I have worked as a cartoonist/illustrator,
make-up artist for fashion and TV. Had an artist’s studio and taught ceramics. Now
for the last 15 years working in a private practice as a Counsellor/Therapist and
writing a novel.”
Belinda HADDON (nee BENNETT) (left 1972) “I’m delighted with the success
of my online business [www.heavenlynecklaces.com] that has customers from all over
the world. I still see various ‘old girls’ – though we try to avoid the ‘o’ word!”
Sarah MAHAFFY (left 1970) is immersed in India. She takes special
architectural and cultural tours there with Quo Vadis Travel, and continues to
enjoy selling Indian designer clothing and textiles in her shop Maharani in South
Kensington, which was designed by her friend and fellow head girl, Anne Machin
(Lloyd). Kate de Montjoye, her sister, now lives and works in New Delhi. Her
daughter, Sophia Baker, also an old girl, leaves Cheltenham Ladies’ College this
summer. http://www.maharanitrading.com
Vicky JOHNSON (left 1975) “I currently run my own tutoring business: VJ Tutoring
Services, specialising in Dyslexia and 11+ Tutoring. My daughter is 24 and has started
working for the business, specialising in Maths. Miss Scrivener was my inspiration.”
Simone PORISINI (left 1979) “First of all congratulations to Mrs Elphinstone.
Unfortunately my father died last summer – but was lucky to have the support of an
ex-school mate – Jane Sofer. Another ‘loss’ was that my son Mattia is now at Sussex
University studying International Relations & French (and Spanish). But we are
very proud of him. I am still in an English speaking school – and also teach ballet.
I have recently urged one of my private ballet pupils to apply for a place at FHS – as
she is very keen to study ballet. I’m very happy to see Miss Scrivener’s name and
always remember her ‘telling me off’ for my use of exclamation marks.”
Clare PRICHARD (nee CROFT) (left 1971) “I married Clive Rumble in July
having got engaged at Easter and my eldest son got married in August so a busy
summer. I am still living in Hampshire. The Parkinson’s is not too far advanced. My
other two sons are gainfully employed.”
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Sally PRYOR (nee SAMSON) (left 1970) “My husband Don and I live in
the Hill Country in Texas. We are in an election year here in the United States.
I am sorting out a ‘Meet the Candidates 2012’ event. ALL the candidates for the
upcoming elections who will be on our ballots have been invited. This means from
the local level right up to Washington and the Presidential Candidates! I went last
week with two other ladies from the Republican Party, to book our hall for the
event. The 2010 census showed the population of Kendall County (where we live)
has increased to 35,000 from 33,000 and the city of Boerne to 13,000 from 9,000. So
the voting districts have changed, which has caused some problems.
Work on our property is coming along slowly. I think that is perhaps that we are
a little older we don’t quite have the “get up and go” we used to. We got a good jump
start over the Christmas holidays when a couple of the boys from the local High
School soccer team, who helped us in their summer holidays came back to work
again. We took 6 loads to the county brush site and one to the landfill and one to the
scrap metal place. The later got us enough cash to pay for the other loads. We also
finished the water line out to the goat station and the barn. It is super to finally have
water out there and saves a lot of carrying back and forth.
We have had the well house and well covers made, and are waiting for the metal
sheaving to come in for that to be done. We are not doing that ourselves. Basically
it is a galvanized corrugated metal siding we are using which will cover the well
house, pump box, garage and our house too. Our house is half limestone and half
wood siding. There are couple of houses we have seen using this method and it
combines the old and the new very well and is also a cheap and long lasting way to
clad the outside of your home. Plus no paint needed!!
If anyone ends up in our part of the world please come and visit.” Sally@17oaks.com
Katie STAIGHT (nee ELLERINGTON) (left 1974) “I have just hit the big 50
which is strangely liberating. Our twin boys are both at Durham (I know – very
twinny) and our daughter is gapping prior to Bristol. I am living and doing assorted
jobs both paid and unpaid in Fulham.”
Luly WAHL (nee Villalba) (left 1979) “I have a son Luis (ten years) who is at
Colet Court, a daughter Antonia (8 years) who is at FHS and a daughter Stephanie
who is hoping to go to FHS in September 2012.
I have an Austrian husband, Philip. We met in New York and lived in Vienna for
five years before coming back to London. I have met up with many old girls from
my class: Venetia Powell-Brett, Stephanie Longworth, Angelie, Caroline Gorman
and Candia Carr.”
Eleanor WOOD (left 1974) “I am still living in California but spend the summer
months in Norfolk when my husband can get away from his job teaching sculpture
at California State University, Stanislaus. From next year, we will be able to divide
our time almost equally between the USA and home. I continue to commit my
time to my artworks making abstract works on paper. I exhibit at Don Soker
Contemporary Art in San Francisco, and at JayJay in Sacramento.”
19

Lizzie YUILL (nee STEBBINGS) (left 1974) “I have been married for thirty
years this year. Brian and I have a daughter, Katie, who is married, lives in London
and is expecting her first child in June, as well as three sons, Richard (25), Angus
(20) and Henry (19). We moved from Sydney to the Southern Highlands three years
ago and for the past eighteen months, I have had a shop in the Milk Factory in
Bowral. Please come and visit anytime. www.lizzieyuill.com.”
1980-1989
Belinda DENCHFIELD (left 1984) “Thanks for FHS who started my
interested in climbing, we went to London Central YMCA for climbing! 15+
years working in Outdoor Education teaching Rock Climbing/Mountaineering/
Canoeing/Rafting this brought me to the USA. I retrained as a nurse nine years
ago and now work in ER/Acute Care/Charge nurse in a small county hospital in
Eastern Washington State.”
Mary GIBSON (nee MORGAN) (left 1980) “I am continuing to work with
young offenders and at risk children in south London. Our oldest child is at my old
university and our youngest is going to boarding school next year.”
Tani HANSEN (left 1981) “Since being in London last spring, I have been
to Shanghai to make a speech at a new school. I have decided to complete my
teaching certification in Canada, so I can teach grades 10-12 in a private school
in Vancouver, which means I am going back to university for my third and
fourth degrees!”
Sara LOGIE (left 1988) “I am now a part-time working mother of two, living
in Barnes. I pursued textiles after my needlework classes at FHS (!) and am now a
Buyer for Gap clothing. I am still very much in touch with my old classmates and
they remain very close friends.”
Gay LONGWORTH (left 1987) “I now have our 3 daughters settled at Bute
House. After finishing my 11th book I decided to take 6 months off and work out
what I wanted to do next. I was beginning to suspect 6 months might become 12,
since I have loved every minute of it but I have been offered the chance to work on
the film script of The Godmother, my first book as Carrie Adams and I have an
idea for a new Gay Longworth novel - so I am getting back to the keyboard and am
extremely excited about it.”
Joanna (Jokey) MOLLO (nee LONGWORTH) (left 1985) Joanna and her
husband have a daughter Nancy, aged six, at FHS. She is settling back into life in
London after eight years in Dubai and running a business and reporting for CNBC.
They also have two younger sons, Alexei and Caspar.
Alex MARTIN (nee HUDSON) (left 1987) “My news is that I had a little girl
in April called Ava.”
20

Carolina MOUNTFORD (nee van OORDT) (left 1987) “Our only, but
exciting news, is that we are expecting our second child on 17 th January 2012. We
have a five and a half year old son, Benjamin, who is thrilled at the prospect of
having a sibling.”
Joanna SIMPSON (nee LAIDLAW) (left 1983) “Our children are now 18, 17
and 13. Matilda, the eldest, has just started at Exeter University which she really
enjoys. Her sister, Daisy, is in her last year at Tudor Hall and Fred has just started
at Radley. From being brought up as a London child, we seem to have horses and
dogs. My twin sister, Helena (now Lea), comes to stay as often as possible with
her husband Charlie, who is a wine merchant, Lea and Sandeman, and their son,
Hector, now 11. My other sister, Emma (now Verey) also comes with her husband
whenever she can.”
Alessandra VERNAZZA (nee BINELLI) (left 1985) “Married to Roberto
and we have 3 children: Francesca, Cristina & Luca. We live in Fulham and work
together in our small cafe. Old friends include Zoe Starmer, Gemma Palerno, Sujaga
Surgu, Miriam Hilary – we were a group of 5 and kept in touch for many years. Lots
of other friends – we had a great year group.”
1990-1999
Sophie BRANDRAM (left 1999) “I completed my first ever half marathon on
Sunday 11th March. Never again! I ran the Bath Half in just over 2 hours 20 minutes
and raised more than £1,000 for Golden-Oldies, a local charity that organises
singing trips for the elderly. Much support came from my old school friends, many
of whom I am still very close to, both from my year and others, not to mention
my little sister, Aly, another old FHS girl! Thank you very much to all of them that
kindly sponsored and supported me.”
Jenny BREUER (left 1990) “I married an Australian from Sydney. London
has remained my home but I have spent the last ten years following Breaking
News stories around the world. This all changed two years ago when I had my
first daughter, Holly, quickly followed by her sister, Maisie, who is now seven
months old. I have just returned to work and am trying not to travel away from
my girls.”
Katherine CALIL SCORER (left 1992) “I had a beautiful baby boy Felix on
16 th February. He is very cute and Leo is very happy to have a brother.”
Carolina MOUNTFORD (nee Van Oordt) (left 1990) “I am married to Toby
and we have 2 sons, Benjamin (7 years) and Teddy (8 weeks). I have had a varied
career in media, language training and several PA positions.”
CECILIA MURPHY-ROADS (left 1991) “It’s a huge job to summarise the
12 years since FHS so I won’t even begin however my globetrotting has slowed
21

down since I met and married (2009) my wonderful Australian husband and have
now settled in Brisbane, Queensland. I recently set up my business ENCOMPASS
Mindset & Wellness Solutions, which is dedicated to Intrapersonal Wellness. I get
to use my Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) and coaching skills to help people
and businesses build empowered and healthy lives. I’ve also had fun assisting
students and exam candidates with enhanced learning techniques… Something I
am very practiced in after years of study since FHS and Uni! I am very fortunate as
I am still closely in touch with many of my wonderful friends from FHS and remain
so grateful for the internet, skype and social media for letting me hear everyone’s
news regardless of being thousands of miles away. I anticipate another exciting year
ahead both professionally and personally and wish all the FHS old girls the very
best in all their endeavours in 2012.”
Elizabeth HAYHURST (nee SEBAG-MONTEFIORE) (left 1993) Liz was
married to Captain Mark Hayhurst on 3 rd September 2011. Their reception was at
Stokesay Court, Shropshire. They spent their honeymoon in Kenya on safari and
relaxing on the beach in Zanzibar.
Ewa KOLODZIEJSKA (left 1999) “After leaving Francis Holland in 1999, I
trained as an actress at Arts Educational, LAMDA, and RADA. In 2005, I realized
my passion was to direct theatre and coach actors achieve their utmost potential.
In 2010, I completed my MA in Actor Training and Coaching at the Central School
of Speech and Drama, in order to take my career to the next level. I love my job, and
I work in varying milieu. I am a visiting lecturer at Drama Schools, Universities,
and Higher Education Institutions. I coach actors on film sets, in theatre, radio, and
privately. I also love working with children, be it through mainstream education,
or private workshops. And of course when time allows, I get to enjoy directing. I
still keep in touch with most of my friends from Francis Holland, which just goes to
show what a special school it is. I have very fond memories of my time there. If you,
or anyone you know, would like to know more about me, or the work I that I do,
please visit www.actingcoachewa.com.”
Anna MILBANK (nee Maxwell-Lyle) (left 1995) “Having spent 13 years
working in Financial Recruitment in the City I am now living in North Yorkshire
with my husband Toby and 2 sons Max (4) and Kit (nearly 2). I am still in close
contact with Sophie Wynn-Williams and Katy Young.”
Aimee O’KEEFE (nee le Roex) “I have just returned to London from New York
where I have been living with my husband Ryan and daughter Allegra for the last
three years. New York was a fantastic adventure, not least because I enjoyed some
fun times with fellow FHS old girls Francesca McCulloch (née Pinto), Lizzie Blenk,
Jordana Krohley (née Cornish) and Pamela Cogut. The Big Apple holds many fond
memories but it’s great to be settling back into London life. “
Stephanie REYNOLDS (nee BOWDEN) (left 1993) “I had my third child, a
little girl, Chloe India, on 9 th May 2011, a sister for Daniel and Natalie.”
22

Audrey MITCHELL (nee WIGGIN) (left 1992) “I am living in Fulham and
have just given birth to twin boys, Pip and Barney, brothers to Alfie (three and a
half) and Myrtle (one and a half). I am currently on maternity leave from my job at
Deutsche Bank.”
Charlotte WINHAM (nee BARTLETT) (left 1991) “I had a baby boy called
George, a brother for Fleur and Arthur. I am still running my ‘Home from Home’
childcare setting in Parsons Green and Chelsea.”
2000-2009
Charlotte BALY (left 2009) Charlotte spent her gap year studying at the Royal
College of Music. She is now reading History at King’s College, London.
Camilla CECIL (left 2006) “Just to thank you all for your help over the years
and that I got a First in Maths from Edinburgh, specialising in Finance. I’m starting
a job in private banking in the next few weeks but have not ruled out being a teacher
at some point.”
Clementine CHAMPION (left 2000) Has recently bought a cottage in a village
near Pershore. Her first child is due in June so she and her husband are getting
ready for the arrival.
Francesca DE GREGORIO (left 2006) “I secured a place on a graduate scheme
in September this year as a Trainee Underwriter for the reinsurance company
Swiss Re based in the Gherkin. I really enjoy it and am off to Zurich for part of the
training in February 2012.”
Beatrice d’EUFEMIA (left 2007) “I am graduating in Environmental
Engineering from UCL in June and I have a job already waiting for me working for
an engineering consultancy firm called Ramboll in Denmark.”
Lucie EDMONDS (left 2002) “On 23 rd August 2011 my son, Theo James
Branczik was born. I am marrying Alexander Branczik (Director, Sotheby’s
Contemporary Art) and my partner for the last six years, on 17 th December 2011.”
Reem HARB (left 2009) “Currently in my final year at SOAS studying Middle
Eastern Studies. Also working part time in an Irish boutique gaining retail
experience. Hoping to travel in the Middle East after graduation and document
my experiences.”
Chloe HYLTON-POTTS (left 2008) Chloe is in her first year at Regents
American College in Regents Park. She wants to major in public relations.
Daisy HYLTON-POTTS (left 2008) Daisy is in her final year at UCL
reading psychology and aims to follow it with an MSc. She lives in Hampstead
with two friends.
23

Jessica KING (left 2006) “I left Francis Holland in 2006 and then completed a
four-year degree in Russian at Manchester University, which included spending a
year abroad in St Petersburg. Since leaving university, I have been working for the
Russian Educational Consultancy based in the West End, which is both exciting
and challenging.”
Sophie KYDONIEFS (left 2009) “This year I am undertaking my year abroad
which is the third year of my degree programme in French, Spanish and European
studies at the University of Bath. I have been studying at the Universite Paul-
Valery in Montpellier in France as an Erasmus student for this first academic
semester. I will then be travelling to Malaga in the south of Spain to study for
the second academic semester as an Erasmus student. Living in France has so
far been a challenging but rewarding experience. I have made many new friends;
have become familiar with the South of France and experienced total immersion
into the French language. I am hoping to end my year abroad with excellent
linguistic levels.”
Emily HARRIS (left 2009) “I am about to finish my second year at
Bournemouth University reading Public Relations. I have loved spending the Easter
sunshine down on the beach! For my third year I am spending one year working
in the PR industry and I have secured my placement with Warner Bros. in the
publicity department. I am so excited! My little sister is taking her GCSE’s this
year... I cannot believe the time has gone so quickly”
Neha PATEL (left 2001) Currently working as a general dental practitioner
and also studying for a masters in healthcare law and ethics at the University
of Manchester.
Flora PETHYBRIDGE (left 2005) “I am working for Coates & Seely, a sparkling
wine vineyard/producer in Hampshire. The first wine, a rose, was released in
Spring 2011, the Blanc de Blanc will be next in January in 2012 and the Brut
Reserve NV soon after that. It’s an exciting time to be involved in the growing
English wine movement – our sparkling wines in particular are doing so well in
international blind tastings. I am also working for the Wine Pantry at Borough
Market, an English wine specialist where we do tastings as well as sell wine. Do
get in touch if anyone wants to buy or drink anything. I can highly recommend it!
florapethybridge@gmail.com.”
Valentina RUSSO (left 2006) “I am currently working in the Lancöme Press
Office and am engaged. My wonderful boyfriend proposed last November and we
are getting married this June in Italy.”
Robin WEBBER-McAULAY (left 2008) Robin has just graduated from Queen
Mary, University of London, having achieved a 2.1 in History. She will probably
continue her education with a MA course.
24

2010-
Carolina OBANDO ARBELAEZ (left 2010) “I am currently studying
Industrial Design in Medellin (University of Colombia). I am now in my second
semester. I am also planning to study architecture as my university allows me to
study for two careers at the same time after the 5 th semester. One of my designs was
chosen for display in the city’s zoo, so I am quite excited by this project.”
Victoria BROWN (left 2010) “I am in my second year at Benenden and really
enjoying my school. I often think about FHS and the teachers there. I have been
very busy with drama/acting and got a small part in a film – The Magnificent
Eleven with Keith Allen (Lilly Allen’s dad). It’s a comedy and will be released in
the summer.”
Nicole GOJKOVIC (left 2011) “I am in my first year at Bristol University
studying Theology and Religious Studies. Lizzie Wilson, from my year is there
with me. My sister Leja just graduated from UCL and my other sister Emma
is at RADA.”
FORMER STAFF
Dorothy BURNHAM – Head of Classics (1998-2005) “I cannot believe
that I have been retired for almost seven years. I have learned some Italian, which
I love, and am now a grandmother, since our daughter and her husband, who live
in Wandsworth, now have 3 sons, aged 5, 3 and 7 weeks. Our son, a surgeon in
Birmingham, was married in September and in February my husband and I bought
a cottage in the Cotswolds. I still keep in touch with ex colleagues and feel that I
belong to the wider FHS community.”
Margaret COOLING – Head of Classics (1982-1998) “Since retiring from
FHS I have been fairly busy. We have a cottage in the Wye Valley with over an acre
of garden to try and keep in order. Both my husband and I take services in the
dioceses of Monmouth and Gloucester. Although I have now been ordained for
16 years, sometimes I am still the first woman to officiate in some of the churches.
I did a five year stint as Lecturer/Warden of Almshouses in Newland, a bit
different from marking dissertations as I had to collect rents, organise maintenance
work on the 17 th century properties and generally keep an eye on the well-being of
the residents.
We have four children and eight grandchildren. We belong to the Monmouth
Music Theatre and have appeared in several Gilbert and Sullivan operas as well as
singing with the choir in St Mary’s Monmouth. I do one afternoon a week in the
local Oxfam Shop. I keep in touch with Mrs Baker and Mrs Burslem as well as Mrs
Margetson, Mrs Gepfert and Miss Bryant made a surprise visit earlier this year. I
have very fond memories of FHS and send my best wishes to all.”
25

Penelope SEDDON (nee BASTEDO) – Year 5 teacher “After many happy
years teaching and raising a family of three children, I am now retired. My husband
and I have returned to Hove, where I was brought up. I am fortunate in having five
grandchildren and have been involved with their upbringing.”
Jane HEYWOOD – Science and Maths (2003-2004) “I had another baby
fifteen months ago – so now I am a mother of three – I was a mother of three under
four for a week – so we have been very busy. Edward started school this year and
is doing very well. It is a different world being a parent – not the teacher! I am
not working, at home with my two girls which is busy enough with our weekly
adventures to zoos, aquariums, parks, music classes etc. Definitely busier than I
have ever been but they are very fun filled times.”
Penny WOOLLARD – ex-Registrar at both Clarence Gate and Graham
Terrace (1996-2003) Penny is continuing with her PhD at the University of Essex.
Her research is focused on the St Lucian poet and playwright, Derek Walcott. As
well as running the administration for the Centre of Theatre Studies at Essex, she
also enjoys teaching first-year student seminars on introduction to United States
Literature and has just given her first lecture, on Emily Dickinson. Penny still keeps
in contact with Liz Atkinson who was school secretary until her move to Cyprus.
Both remember their time at FHS with great affection.
Births
Suzanne Rideout (Reception 2007-2010), a son Harry.
Deaths
Isabelle Bowtell (nee Walsh) During the early 1970’s was secretary at Francis
Holland and died on January 19 th , 2012. Her son wrote that she regarded her time
at the school as one of her most enjoyable working experiences, most especially
through her relationship with the staff and pupils.
Patrick Bashford, who taught the guitar at Francis Holland, among other
London schools, died on December 21, 2011, aged 82. He had a distinguished
career as a top model for Vogue before becoming a leading guitarist. He taught
at the Royal College of Music, where he developed a new department and
inspired many great musicians, as well as giving popular recitals in London and
throughout Europe.
Diana Margaret Parikian (nee Carbutt) musician and leading antiquarian
bookseller, died April 12th, 2012.
26

Araminta, Lady Aldington (nee MacMichael) who died January 26 th , 2012,
aged 91, was a stalwart supporter of Graham Terrace and a regular contributor to
this newsletter. She was born in Khartoum in 1920 and aged 8 was sent home from
Palestine, where her father was High Commissioner. She lived for much of her life
in Kent, supporting numerous charities, where she bred chickens and Jacob sheep
with panache. She was married to Toby Aldington, the Conservative politician, who
died in 2000. Araminta Aldington is survived by her son and her two daughters,
also at Graham Terrace.
Mary Varvill (nee Dawson) died on May 1 st 2012, aged 92.
PRESENT STAFF
Births
Miss Vickery (Music), a second daughter Mei.
Dr Upcott (Physics), a second daughter Molly.
Mrs Sinnett (Maths), a son Harrison.
Marriages
Miss Varty (Music) to Jared Ashe – October 2011.
27

FR ANCIS HOLLAND OLD GIRLS’ COMMITTEE
Honorary Members:
Mrs Verrall Dunlop
Mrs Jennifer Anderson
Miss Prudence Scrivener
Sarah Bardswell – Treasurer
sarah.bardswell@gmail.com
Alison Barnett
ab@fhs-sw1.org.uk
Jane Dorman
jane.orr@ntlworld.com
Clare Ford Wille
fordwille@aol.com
Susannah Graham-Campbell
susannahgc@gmail.com
Caroline Guen
ceguen@aol.com
Jenny Lord
jenny.lord@brownsfashion.com
Sarah Mahaffy – Chairman
sarah.mahaffy@zen.co.uk
Committee
Gail Wellings – Secretary
GSwelli@aol.com
Anne Margetson
am@fhs-sw1.org.uk
Aimee O’Keefe
aimee.okeeffe@gmail.com
Stephanie Pattenden
sjp@fhs-sw1.org.uk
Zina Serageldin
zina.serageldin@hotmail.co.uk
Camilla Speck
camillaspeckuk@gmail.com
Janet Townend
jetownend@gmail.com
Sophie Tredinnick
sophietredinnick@hotmail.com
Mary Walton
marysynoldabutler@gmail.com
39 Graham Terrace, London SW1W 8JF
Tel: 0207 730 2971
www.fhs-sw1.org.uk